The answer is to assign the customer-facing interface to the VRF, because MPLS L3VPN PE configuration requires that each customer’s routing table be isolated within a VRF, and the interface must be bound to that VRF to direct traffic into the correct virtual routing instance. Without this step, the PE cannot distinguish between overlapping customer IP addresses or apply the proper route-target policies. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the three mandatory PE steps: creating the VRF, assigning the interface, and enabling BGP for VPNv4 route exchange—a common trap is confusing the optional route-target import/export with a required step. Remember the mnemonic “CIA” for the three essentials: Create VRF, Interface assignment, Activate BGP.
350-501 MPLS and Segment Routing Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of mpls and segment routing. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE steps are required when configuring MPLS L3VPN on a PE router? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a VRF definition
To configure MPLS L3VPN, you must: create a VRF (step A), assign an interface to the VRF (step B), configure BGP to exchange VPN routes (step C). Step D is optional (route-target export/import is done via route-map or configuration). Step E is done on CE, not PE.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Configure BGP on the CE router to advertise routes to PE
Why it's wrong here
CE configuration is not part of PE configuration steps.
✓
Create a VRF definition
Why this is correct
The VRF must be created on the PE.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Configure BGP address-family ipv4 vrf to exchange VPN routes
Why this is correct
BGP with VPNv4 or VPNv6 address-family is needed to distribute VPN routes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure route-target import/export using route-map
Why it's wrong here
Route-target is configured under the VRF, not necessarily via route-map; it's a separate configuration step.
✓
Assign the customer-facing interface to the VRF
Why this is correct
The interface connecting to CE must be in the VRF.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-501 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
MPLS and Segment Routing — This question tests MPLS and Segment Routing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a VRF definition — To configure MPLS L3VPN, you must: create a VRF (step A), assign an interface to the VRF (step B), configure BGP to exchange VPN routes (step C). Step D is optional (route-target export/import is done via route-map or configuration). Step E is done on CE, not PE.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Identify which 350-501 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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